Scott Allan ‘won’t be sold to Rangers’ despite request

Scott Allan wants to leave Hibs for Rangers. Pic: SNS

The midfielder has already been the subject of two failed bids from the Ibrox club who are likely to return with a further offer within the next 24 hours.

But despite lifelong Rangers supporter Allan making it clear he wishes to be allowed to make the move along the M8, Hibs are holding fast to their own position of ensuring they do not enhance the squad of their main rivals for the Championship title this season.

“In the face of continued media interest, Hibernian Football Club can confirm that Scott Allan has today handed in a written transfer request, “ read a statement from Hibs last night.

“This comes on the back of two unwelcome and uninvited approaches from Rangers FC regarding Scott, the first for £175,000 and the second for £225,000. Hibernian FC has refused both bids because the club has no wish to transfer a valuable player to strengthen a major rival in the battle to win the Championship and gain promotion to the Premiership.

“Hibernian’s position has not changed. The player will not be sold to Rangers.”

Allan, who was named PFA Scotland’s Championship Player of the Year last season as he re-ignited his career with his eye-catching form for Hibs, was left out of the starting line-up by manager Alan Stubbs for last Saturday’s Petrofac Training Cup tie against Rangers at Easter Road because of the ongoing saga.

The 23-year-old appeared as a second-half substitute in the match, which Rangers won 6-2, and was cheered by both sets of supporters. It remains to be seen how the attitude of Hibs fans towards him is changed by his decision to ask for a transfer. The former Dundee United and West Bromwich Albion player has a year remaining on his contract with Hibs.

Stubbs stated at the weekend that his positive relationship with Allan will not be affected by Rangers’ pursuit of him, but question marks will now be raised over his level of commitment while playing for Hibs.

Rangers manager Mark Warburton has defended his club’s conduct in attempting to recruit Allan, insisting they have a right to “look after number one” as he continues rebuilding the squad which failed to earn promotion back to the top flight last season.

Warburton also admitted he would be “more than irate” if an opposition manager spoke about one of his players.

Allan will be free to sign a pre-contract agreement with Rangers in January.